Have you looked at your deodorant recently? It’s full of chemicals and it’s not cheap either. I did some research online and decided to try homemade deodorant.
Here’s the recipe I came up with after reading about what other people did, it’s based purely on what I have in my house. All of the ingredients are easy to find at your grocery store, big box retailer or health food store. The ingredients aren’t inexpensive but will make so much deodorant that I estimate each batch will cost about $.50, a significant savings over store-bought.
YOU NEED:
-a container (I used an empty container from store-bought gel deodorant)
-coconut oil, preferably extra virgin (a base and purported antiperspirant)
-baking soda (deodorant)
-tea tree oil (astringent/antiperspirant, antibacterial and deodorant)
In a bowl mix together a scant 1/2 cup coconut oil (maybe start with 1/3 C), 1 Tbsp baking soda and 6 drops tea tree oil. Spoon the mixture into the container and you’re done.
Some tips:
-if you have a container from store-bought gel deodorant you can store at room temperature and it’ll remain gellish (is that a word? I doubt it).
-if you want to use a container from stick deodorant add a little more baking soda, fill the container and store it in the fridge as coconut oil solidifies in cold temps
-if you store in a jar I suggest glass, and keep it in the fridge. When you want to apply the deodorant just grab a fingerful and smear in your pits.
-I found this recipe to be a little gritty. The grittiness doesn’t bother me at all but if you want it smoother or want it to be more like stick deodorant consider adding cornstarch 1 Tbsp at a time until it’s the consistency you like.
Will it work? I don’t know, but I WILL update you! Thus far it’s holding up for my daily household chores, we’ll see how it works after my evening run!
**UPDATE! I recently spent an entire day at Walt Disney World. It was only 85 degree and was overcast, but the deodorant held up well! I’m sold!**
**UPDATED UPDATE** The deodorant works excellent, however, it melted all over my medicine cabinet when the temps hit the upper 70s inside the house (I do live in Florida, after all.) In the future I’d def add a decent amount of cornstarch to make it smoother, stiffer and less melty; or store in the fridge and allow to warm up as I shower; or only fill the container halfway so even if it melts it doesn’t get all over the place.
